Reflections

Hometown:
Blacksburg, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a 23 year old woman. I have a wonderful boyfriend who is in physical therapy school at VCU. I enjoy working out, going on walks, trying new restaurants, doing the daily crossword, reading books, and doing puzzles.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
One of the most appealing parts about dentistry to me is the ability to diagnose, treat, and fully resolve the issue. From personal experience, I have seen medicine act as a simple bandaid to treat symptoms, not disease itself. However dentistry treats pathology at its etiology which is so rare.

Hometown:
Richmond , Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Virginia Commonwealth University –Biology, Chemistry, Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My favorite pastime is gathering with loved ones, sharing great food, and enjoying each other's company. During my breaks I prioritize traveling and spending time rock climbing, foraging and doing yoga. I also love creating with my hands by sewing, sculpting, painting and repurposing thrifted items!

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
From my early days of playing doctor, it was clear I was drawn towards helping others. I felt the most fulfilled in life working in a free dental clinic helping to relieve people’s pain. It has been a lifelong goal to turn this passion into a career while also working with my creativity and hands.

Hometown:
Suffolk, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Old Dominion University –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm originally from Suffolk, Virginia and I have a bunny and a guinea pig. In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction books and memoirs as well as attempting to bake. Since I have been in Richmond, I have picked up walking as a consistent exercise and love trying new restaurants in the city.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My experiences surrounding the dentist were always positive, and I want to provide those same experiences to my patients. Dentistry allows me the opportunity to practice a unique skill while showing compassion and care to my patients, which will hopefully have meaningful impacts.

Hometown:
Richmond, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–Biology, B.A.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Born in Vienna, Austria; I was lucky enough to witness the tail-end of my parents' ten year journey to the US. In many ways, that journey - one that started in the middle of the night in Northern Iran, took a pit-stop in Istanbul, Turkey and then at a refuge camp in Northern Austria - defines me.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
If this year has been anything, it is confirmation that I am exactly where I need to be. Appreciating first-hand the minutiae that goes behind this art, and just how big of an impact that can have on a person's life; it only makes me more excited for my career to come.

Hometown:
Great falls, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Christopher Newport University–BS Biochemistry with Honors, Biology Minor

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a rising 3rd year Vietnamese American dental student! I love to volunteer with a group homes in Hanover county where I get to work with adults with special needs. I get to help throw events for them like Halloween, prom, and Christmas parties while also teaching good oral health practices.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I'm passionate about dentistry because I love how much of an impact dentists can have on an individual's life. A confident smile or painless mastication provided by the dentist can be extremely fulfilling. I believe it is our duty to use our skill to help others even if at no benefit to ourselves.